Your Local Guide
From award-winning beaches and scenic nature reserves to family adventure parks and heritage sites — here are our favourite days out near The Grove House.
Seven miles of award-winning golden sand with a micro-climate, some of the UK's warmest sea temperatures, and stunning views of the Isle of Wight. Beach huts, BBQs, and lifeguard stations available.
Blue Flag award-winning beach with golden sands, promenade cafes, crazy golf, and water sports hire including jet skis and kayaks. Ferry to Brownsea Island departs nearby.
A locals' favourite Blue Flag beach away from the crowds. SOBO Beach is a wellness hub with yoga, run clubs, sea dips, and a beachfront cafe with palm trees and a beach bar. Access via Fisherman's Walk.
National Trust island in Poole Harbour with red squirrels, peacocks, and lush woodland. Reach by ferry from Poole or Sandbanks. Bushcraft sessions and activity trails during school holidays.
30-acre nature reserve on the Isle of Purbeck with the UK's longest rope bridge, a fairy trail, play area, and a stunning pool that changes colour with the seasons. Tearoom on site.
100 acres of award-winning woodland, gardens and parkland. Tree trails, nature walks, play trails with brass rubbings, harbourside bird hide, and a water feature in the Walled Garden.
One of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England, with themed gardens, a plant centre, cafe and gift shop. Beautiful in every season.
Bournemouth's largest chine with exotic tropical plants, a Treasure Island-themed playground (Robert Louis Stevenson lived nearby), and magnificent sea views.
Victorian gardens with formal flower beds, water playground, mini golf, a ball court, and the Squirrel Cafe. A lovely mix of scenery and family activities.
A rescue aviary in the Lower Gardens, home to around 200 tropical birds with 360-degree viewing. Most birds are rescued and the new structure opened in 2022.
110 acres bordering Poole Harbour with a saltwater lagoon, miniature railway, play areas, tennis, crazy golf, cafes, and free summer yoga sessions every Sunday.
Award-winning heritage railway running 6 miles through the Isle of Purbeck past Corfe Castle ruins. Steam and diesel locomotives, plus seasonal events and Santa Specials.
A historic seaside villa on Bournemouth's East Cliff filled with art and artefacts from around the world. Built in 1901 as a birthday present, with stunning sea views and a terrace cafe.
Grade I listed castle on the cliff top overlooking Christchurch Bay. Open daily with guided tours, gift shop, and stunning coastal views. Wheelchair accessible.
In the heart of the New Forest — National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and the Little Beaulieu adventure play area. A marvellous full day out.
Roman artefacts, Victorian history, and interactive displays in restored Wimborne Minster. Hands-on activities for families including dressing up, gallery quizzes, and garden games.
A modern museum of amazing Jurassic marine fossils in Kimmeridge. Discover the marine life that lived in Dorset's seas 150 million years ago.
A nostalgic seaside town on the Jurassic Coast with a Victorian pier, Durlston Castle, great restaurants, and a unique micro-climate. Arrive by steam train for the full experience.
Stunning 1920s Art Deco theatre providing year-round entertainment. Retains its original elegant styling with a programme of shows, pantomimes, and events.
The largest regional arts centre in the UK. Experience, explore, and discover the arts with a year-round programme of performances, exhibitions, and cinema.
Internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre with 250+ primates of 20 species. Half-hourly keeper talks, the south's largest adventure playground, and cafes. Stars of TV's Monkey Life.
Action water park with 13 fantastic rides including the Dragon's Lair, Mississippi Drifter, and Infinity. Plus Ricky's Reef for under-6s, bubble spa, and sun terraces. Book online only.
Five action-packed adventures in Moors Valley Country Park — high ropes courses, treetop challenges, nets adventure, and all-terrain Segway tours through the forest.
Outdoor ski slope with Ski Bobs, Ringos, ski and snowboard tuition, plus an adventure play area with rope swings and zip lines. Like a winter holiday every day!
Professional go-kart race course designed by racers for racers. Perfect for racing against friends or family with plenty of overtaking zones. Ages 8+.
Dorset's award-winning farm park designed for families with children under 8. Meet friendly animals, explore 23+ indoor and outdoor attractions, and enjoy farm adventures.
One of the last Heavy Horse centres in Great Britain, home to Shire, Clydesdale, and Suffolk Punch breeds. Award-winning conservation farm experience. Book online in advance.
Unique indoor role play centre with 9 themed areas and live actors who guide children through immersive experiences. Great for rainy days. Full cafe for parents.
Magical underwater journey with thousands of amazing creatures. Open 364 days a year, right on the seafront near Bournemouth Pier. Buggy park available.
Hands-on aviation museum where visitors of all ages can climb into cockpits and handle the controls. No need to pre-book, free parking. Imagination is the only limit!
Fun and natural wonder on Bournemouth's seafront at Pier Approach. A world of adventure golf right by the beach.
Prehistoric-themed 18-hole course with caves, waterfalls, volcanoes, and life-size dinosaurs! Help save King Bary from the Iron Jaws in this immersive adventure.
Award-winning outdoor activities in the New Forest including archery, axe throwing, and more. Great for groups, couples, and teens. ~25 minutes from Bournemouth.
Summer fun beside the sea as the big wheel returns to Bournemouth seafront with panoramic views of the coastline.
Family skate park for blading, roller skating, and BMX. Plus zip wire, roundabout, slide, swings, treehouse, and woodland nature trails. Best suited for over 5s.
One of the widest selections of water sports under one roof — windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, and more. Sheltered waist-deep harbour waters, ideal for learning.
Paddle boarding instructor offering beginners courses (indoor pool and outdoor), sunset paddles, and progression sessions. Supportive, fun, and community-focused.
Hire a rowing boat, Canadian canoe, or motorboat on the peaceful River Stour from Wimborne. Playground nearby for afterwards — perfect for a family picnic day.
Scenic cruises from Poole Quay exploring Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, and the Jurassic Coast past Old Harry Rocks. Plus themed evening cruises — fish & chips, sunset, and more.
Hire bikes on Bournemouth seafront, 200m east of the pier. Adult bikes, tandems, kids' bikes, and child trailers. Miles of promenade to explore in both directions.
Hop on, hop off open-top bus with 18 stops including Bournemouth Pier, Poole Quay, and Boscombe Pier. Runs March to September. The easiest way to see it all.
5-star escape rooms at BH2 Leisure — Alice in Puzzleland, Wild West, and Aladdin themes. Plus outdoor city hunt games. Perfect for groups, families, birthdays, and team days.
Ultimate sci-fi laser tag adventure for ages 6 to 66+. Futuristic body packs and lasers in a labyrinth with catwalks, mazes, swirling fog, and special effects.
Full 360 virtual reality and free-roam experiences in central Bournemouth. Family-friendly with light-floor games, chill room, and coffee shop. Fully air conditioned.
Two immersive golf courses with cutting-edge technology, plus electro-darts, laser-shot, pool, and ping pong. Large restaurant and late-night bars. All ages welcome.
Go head-to-head with crazy golf, shuffleboard, digital darts, beer pong, and more. Great food, cocktails, and craft beers. Open late on weekends.
State-of-the-art 10-screen multiplex at BH2 with Premier and Recliner seats, 3D, ISENSE, and a special creche screen for families. Costa cafe and Croma bar on site.
The south's first cat cafe — a safe haven for cats and cat lovers with ethical food and drink. Come in, pause, and enjoy peaceful time with kitty companions.
Paint-your-own pottery studio and coffee shop in the town centre. Fun and relaxing for adults and children. Dogs welcome. Items fired in-house and ready in about a week.
The UK's only indoor flow park for youngsters with a 650ft pump track, 60ft full-pipe, street section, and soft play area. For scooters, skateboards, and roller skates.
Indoor activity centre with bowling, mini golf, and soft play in central Bournemouth. Game cards make it easy to manage budgets and save up ticket prizes.
Two self-guided walking tours discovering Bournemouth's hidden secrets — from West Cliff to the gardens, past the pier, historic churches, and Town Hall. 18-page mobile download with clues and history.
Crack clues and unravel riddles on statues, landmarks, and monuments around Christchurch. ~3 hours to complete with loads of lovely picnic spots along the way. Instant PDF download.
Self-guided spy mission through Meyrick Park, Bournemouth Gardens, and the town centre. Solve sneaky clues to crack the code. 2-mile loop taking ~2.5 hours. Win virtual badges and real prizes!
Free, friendly community yoga every Sunday 9:30–10:30am from May to September in Poole Park. All ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Just bring a mat and turn up!
Book your stay at The Grove House and enjoy all that Bournemouth and the Dorset coast have to offer.
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